Refractions

What's a Refraction?

the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another or from a gradual change in the medium"

In physics, this phenomena is frequently seen with light. Iolite, our namesake gemstone, refracts light in a unique way that makes its navy-violet complexion at times appear transparent.

Iolite is the most pleochroic gemstone. This simply means that the stone has a tendency to exhibit a different color when viewed at different angles. From one angle, iolite can appear sapphire-like blue. At other times, it looks as clear as water. When looking at it from above, it can glow a light golden or honey-yellow.

We at iō like to push boundaries and bend perspectives. Refractions, our online publication, embodies this.​

When & Where Can I Submit?

We accept rolling submissions to RefractionsEXCEPT when there is an open submission period for our annual print volume. You can submit to our online publication via Submittable. We no longer accept submissions by email.

Note:​

Submissions must include a short 3rd person biography and a good quality photo of the contributor.

Photos/media to accompany written submissions are recommended but not required.

Simultaneous submissions are accepted.

Page limit applies to a single piece (i.e. each fiction submission can have up to 5 pages max). Limits for each piece are listed below.

Works in other languages are welcomed. Author MUST provide an English translated version as well.

Send us specific art & multimedia pieces for consideration. If you send us a link to your entire portfolio with a "choose what you want", we will NOT consider it.

A small submission fee is required for submission. Up to 5 writing pieces and 10 art/multimedia works can be submitted at once.

Depending on the time of year, expect to hear back from us as early as 3 weeks and as late as 2 months with a decision on your submission. The few months immediately following a print submission period is typically hectic as we prepare to roll out the new volume. We welcome submissions during this time but ask for patience in getting back to you. We appreciate the time you've put into your submission and want to give your work sufficient time to review and discuss.

What Can I Submit?

Online submissions have the added capability of being visually and technologically dynamic

​​Art submissions may be submitted as an individual part of a continuing series (i.e. a weekly comic panel, 3-part video essay, etc.). Inform us of this intent. ​At your discretion, such submissions may be submitted in full and posted gradually.

Art & Multimedia Submissions MUST come with titles for each piece of work.